Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 59

AABC - volume 94  Suppl. 4 2022

Finally, the last newsletter of 2022! And what a year... Despite the several problems regarding funding of science in Brazil, the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) reached the highest number of publications in its long history: 445 articles, 7 letters, 2 forewords and 8 editorials!

This last issue of the AABC has a total of 44 articles, with most contributions in Ecosystems (Ecosy - 10), followed by Animal Science (AnSci - 9), and Geosciences (Geosci - 7). Papers in other scientific fields are also present as follows: Forestry Science (FoSci - 3), Engineering Sciences (EnSci - 3), Microbiology (Mcbio - 3), Health Sciences (HeSci - 3), Biomedical Sciences (BmSci - 2), Cellular and Molecular Biology (CeMoBio - 2), Crop Science (CrSci - 1), and Chemical Sciences (ChSci - 1).

In Ecosystems there are manuscripts that address how mercury concentrations affect sharks and rays consumed by humans, growth rates of some crabs, the effect of vegetation structure on invertebrate communities in wetlands of Argentina, and some unexpected observations of reproduction strategies of harvestmen.

In Geosciences (Geosci) there are papers that deal with the relationships of sea ice in the Weddell Sea and the South American Monsson System, explosive cyclones in the South Atlantic Ocean, public policies on natural disasters, and a system to evaluate oil spills.

Further interesting papers focus on microbial contamination in a rodent facility (Mcbio), the effect of COVID-19 in the training pattern of athletes (HeSci), and an analysis of the effects of diabetes in different generations of rats (BmSci).

As usual, we would like to point out that, since 2000, papers published by this journal can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site. Also, take notice that all editions of the Newsletter are available at the ABC website - share them with your colleagues!

Now, scroll through the text and click on the title of the article that interests you!

By the way: Merry Christmas!

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

CHEMICAL SCIENCES

1- Determination of neopterin in urine of industrial workers by HPLC

BILAL YILMAZ, HALUK YASAR, ALI ASCI & YUCEL KADIOGLU

Urine neopterin levels of industrial workers including auto painters, bodywork and furniture workers were statistically compared with healthy volunteers. The highest and lowest values of urinary neopterin for industrial workers were obtained 908.96 and 119.86 μmol/mol, respectively. Our investigation demonstrates that there is a meaningful difference in urinary neopterin levels between the workers and the control groups (P<0.05). Workers in the auto paint, body and furniture business may have been exposed to a toxic environmental exposure in their occupation. An increase in the concentration of neopterin in the urine may be important in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

2- Effects of diabetes between generations on the pre-embryos of rats

VINÍCIUS S. BARCO, FRANCIANE Q. GALLEGO, VERÔNYCA G. PAULA, LARISSA L. CRUZ, BARSHANA KARKI, GUSTAVO T. VOLPATO & DÉBORA C. DAMASCENO

This study relates how high glycemic levels influence on embryos’ development from diabetic rats and from their offspring (daughters and granddaughters) before the implantation process. We observed that daughter and granddaughter rats from diabetic mothers developed pre-diabetes in adulthood. Embryos from diabetic rats and from their offspring presented developmental delay, cell degeneration and, consequently, did not connect in uterus for further development. Thus, this study confirms the relevance to control the glycemic levels before and during pregnancy to avoid embryofetal deaths.

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3- Oroxin A ameliorates the oleic acid-induced A549 cell injury through the suppression of pyroptosis and degradation of alveolar surfactant

JIAN HUANG, CHEN CHEN, JIANQIN XIE, KERONG ZHAI, SHILIN WEI, XINGDONG CHENG & RONGZHI ZHANG

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe syndrome commonly seen in the intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, we urgently need a therapeutic strategy to reduce lung injury. In this study, we establish a lung injury model induced by oleic acid (OA) in vitro and explore the protective mechanism of Oroxin A. We found that Oroxin A can attenuate OA-induced lung injury by inhibiting the pyroptosis pathway and preventing the degradation of SPC. This has laid the theoretical foundation for the application of Oroxin A in ARDS treatment. 

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HEALTH SCIENCES

4- In vitro and in silico assessment of cytotoxicity and chromosome instability induced by saxitoxin in human derived neural cell line

JULIANY S. CONSTANTE, JULIANA E. AL KHATEEB, ANA PAULA DE SOUZA, FELIPE U. CONTER, MAURÍCIO LEHMANN, JOÃO S. YUNES & RAFAEL R. DIHL

Raphidiopsis raciborskii is a species of filamentous cyanobacteria, globally distributed in freshwater environments. All toxic strains of this species, isolated in Brazil, so far, have been characterized as saxitoxin-type neurotoxin (STX) producers. This becomes a public health problem, since STX is responsible for food poisoning associated with shellfish consumption, which may culminate in death from respiratory paralysis. In this study we assessed the genetic toxicity of STX in a human cell line. The data demonstrated that STX, at environmentally relevant concentrations, is associated with the induction of chromosomal instability and cytotoxicity in human neuronal cells.

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5- Changes in athlete training patterns due to COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian athletes

FILIPE S. MARTINS, FRANCIELE DA S. FERNANDES, JOÃO L.G. DE ALMEIDA, JOHNATAS A. GUIMARÃES, MANOEL M. NETO, REABIAS DE A. PEREIRA, MYGEIVE S.F. MUNIZ, EDER J.B. ALMEIDA FILHO & ALEXANDRE S. SILVA

Athletes need to comply with strict training routines, however, the COVID-19 pandemic represented a great challenge for this purpose, especially during the lockdown period, due to the loss of training spaces. This study described how Brazilian athletes adjusted their training routines during the lockdown period. After evaluation by questionnaire, it was noticed that all respondents maintained their training, but with important reductions in the frequency, volume and intensity of their sessions, especially those with higher pre-pandemic training loads. Those who trained more modestly moved their training environments into their homes, but managed to maintain the session standards.

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6- Milonine attenuates the lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by modulating the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways

LARISSA R. BERNARDO, LAÉRCIA KARLA D.P. FERREIRA, LARISSA A.M.P. FERREIRA, COSMO ISAÍAS D. VIEIRA, JOÃO BATISTA DE OLIVEIRA, LOUISE M. DE LIMA, ADRIANO FRANCISCO ALVES, RUBENS S. ARAÚJO, MAYARA S. MAIA, MARCUS T. SCOTTI, JOSÉ MARIA BARBOSA FILHO & MARCIA REGINA PIUVEZAM

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of the alkaloid milonine, obtained from Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl, in an acute lung injury (ALI) experimental model. It was observed that the milonine treatment decreased the inflammatory cell migration (principally neutrophils) to the alveolar cavity, the protein exudate, the pulmonary edema, and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) into the BALF. As a conclusion, we found that milonine is an effective inflammatory modulator by blocking the interaction of the LPS-TLR4/MD2 complex and downregulating the intracellular inflammatory pathway axis being a potential molecule for the treatment of ALI. 

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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

7- Crosstalk between biological and chemical diversity with cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of Aphanothece halophytica in vitro

ISABEL V.G. SILVA , KARINA L. SILVA , RAQUEL C. MAIA , HEITOR M. DUARTE, RICARDO COUTINHO, MARIA HELENA C.B. NEVES, ANGÉLICA R. SOARES & GISELLE P.F. LOPES

The photoautotrophic prokaryote organisms, named cyanobacteria, are recognized as producers of secondary metabolites with unique structural characteristics and great biotechnological potential in the biomedical field, mainly in cancer treatment. This study investigated the in vitro effects of extracts from Aphanothece halophytica, a species well adapted to life in hypersaline environments, on the viability, cell cycle, DNA fragmentation and how the biological composition could affect the chemical and anticancer activity.

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8- Effects of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and gold nanoparticles treatment on peripheral tissues

MATHEUS S. RODRIGUES, JULIA N. MARTINS, GABRIELA C. DE PAULA, LIGIA M. VENTURINI, GUSTAVO DE B. SILVEIRA, EMÍLIO L. STRECK, JOSIANI BUDNI, RICARDO A. MACHADO DE ÁVILA, ANDREZA F. DE BEM, PAULO C.L. SILVEIRA & JADE DE OLIVEIRA

Hypercholesterolemia is a peripheral metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Evidences have shown that disorder is a strong risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and are also harmful to liver tissue. Among the mechanisms underlying these modulations is oxidative stress. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigated the effects of high blood cholesterol levels and gold nanoparticle, an important antioxidant material, treatment in oxidative stress parameters in both liver and the heart of mice. Our results showed that hypercholesterolemia favors the occurrence of oxidative damage, which was partially prevented by gold nanoparticle treatment. 

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MICROBIOLOGY

9- Detection of Waterborne and Airborne Microorganisms in a Rodent Facility

LUIZ MARCIO DA SILVA, MARIANA B. SANTIAGO, PAULA AUGUSTA D.F. DE AGUIAR, SALVADOR B. RAMOS, MURILO V. DA SILVA & CARLOS HENRIQUE G. MARTINS

Microbial contamination in animal facilities intended for research not only affects the quality of the results obtained, but also the health of the users of the facility and those of the animals. Currently, Brazilian legislation for microbiological analysis of the air and water of animal facilities is lacking. This is the first Brazilian study that aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the environmental quality of air and water in a rodent facility used for scientific experimentation.

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10- In vitro selection and characterization of probiotic properties in eight lactobacillus strains isolated from cocoa fermentation

MILENA E. DE ALMEIDA, WALLACE FELIPE B. PESSOA, ANA CLARA C. MELGAÇO, LOUISE P. RAMOS, RACHEL P. REZENDE & CARLA CRISTINA ROMANO

The growing market for biofunctional products has driven the search for new sources of probiotics in fermented products. In this context, cocoa fermentation offers a diversity of microorganisms and a source of investigation of the beneficial potential for human health. This study should be considered for the characterization of biotechnological properties of eight strains of lactobacilli isolated from the fermentation of fine cocoa, such as co and self-aggregation, survival in the human gastrointestinal environment and antimicrobial activity. Two lactobacillus showed higher scores: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 2.1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A2, which demonstrates their greater potential for future studies as probiotic microorganisms.

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11- Evolution of the spontaneous sourdoughs microbiota prepared with organic or conventional whole wheat flours from South Brazil

LETÍCIA F.X. COSTA, CAROLINE ISABEL KOTHE, TIELA T. GRASSOTTI, RAQUEL P. GARSKE, BEATRIZ N. SANDOVAL, ANA PAULA M. VARELA, JANIRA PRICHULA, JEVERSON FRAZZON, MICHELE B. MANN, ROBERTA C.S. THYS & ANA PAULA G. FRAZZON 

The flavor and aroma of bread will depend mainly on the type of flour used, fermentation, and baking techniques. Flour is the source of microorganisms responsible for spontaneous sourdough fermentation. Both whole wheat and white flour are good for making sourdough, however, organic whole wheat flour has gained prominence. Until today, few studies have compared the microbial composition in sourdoughs made with organic or conventional whole wheat flour. In this article, we showed that sourdoughs harbored similar microbial communities, independent of the flour used. This study revealed that both flours contain autochthonous microorganism with biotechnological applications in bread-making. 

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ECOSYSTEMS

12- Mercury concentrations in coastal Elasmobranchs (Hypanus guttatus and Rhizoprionodon porosus) and human exposure in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil

TAINÁ G. JULIO, VICTOR L. MOURA, LUIZ D. LACERDA & ROSÂNGELA P.T. LESSA

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic pollutant that affects humans mainly by ingesting contaminated fish. Sharks and rays are cartilaginous fish, long-life predators and show high concentrations of Hg, reflecting environmental levels, and are also widely consumed in Brazil increasing human exposure to Hg. In this study we show that Hg concentrations in sharks and rays of Pernambuco correlate positively with the size of sharks, but not with that of rays. The concentrations reflect the typical environmental contamination of a large urban-industrial center concentrated in a small extension of the coast and are higher than in other Brazilian coasts. Sharks, regardless of origin, presented a risk coefficient for human consumption below the reference level of exposure, while rays from more contaminated sites exceeded this level suggesting adverse effects to consumers. 

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13- The bivalves Amarilladesma mactroides and Donax hanleyanus as bioindicators of the impact of vehicles on Cassino Beach, southern Brazil

FABIO C. BOM & LEONIR A. COLLING

The objective of this study was to identify whether two key species from Cassino Beach, southern Brazil, could serve as good bioindicators of the impact caused by vehicle traffic that occurs on this beach. Analyzing the results, it was possible to conclude that the two species of bivalves were highly impacted in the region where the traffic is more intense, with lower densities and absence of adults, being then considered as good bioindicators for this type of pressure, being able to serve as supports for management plans for this region. 

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14- Plasticity of growth rates and sizes at sexual maturity in different populations of the fiddler crab Minuca vocator (Herbst, 1804) within the same latitudinal range

KARINE D. COLPO, CONSTANZA MULREEDY & MARIA LÚCIA NEGREIROS-FRANSOZO

Growth rate and size at maturity of crabs are influenced by temperature, which is an important factor varying with latitude, so they usually differ throughout several degrees of latitude. We estimated and compared these traits in three populations of the fiddler crab Minuca vocator within the same latitude range, where some environmental factors, especially temperature, are constant. We predicted that the growth rates and size at sexual maturity will not vary among these populations. However, our results did not support this prediction, since these life history traits varied, probably as a consequence of contrasting local conditions among mangroves.

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15- Different environment, different reproductive strategies? Unexpected field observations in the harvestmen Discocyrtus prospicuus (Laniatores: Gonyleptidae)

PATRICIA P. IGLESIAS, MARTÍN O. PEREYRA, ESTEFANÍA STANLEY, CARLOS A. TOSCANO-GADEA & ABEL PÉREZ-GONZÁLEZ

Geographic variation in demographic and ecological factors can affect reproductive strategies by altering the optimal cost-benefit balance. Thus, to properly understand the reproductive strategy of a species is essential to consider populations that differ in such factors. Here, we studied a population of the harvestmen Discocyrtus prospicuus inhabiting an environment never studied before in this context: a tidal freshwater wetland. Our results do not match the expected pattern for this species regarding mate and egg guarding, and oviposition behavior, markedly widening the previously reported behavioral specter and setting the stage for future research that determines the causes of those variations.

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16- Exposure To Climate Risk: A Case Study For Coffee Farming In The Region Of Alta Mogiana, São Paulo

GUILHERME A.L. TORRES, LARISSA V. ZEZZO, RAFAEL V. DE SÃO JOSÉ, ROBERTO GRECO & PRISCILA P. COLTRI

Coffee, one of the most consumed beverages in the world, has characteristics that vary with the location and management of the crop. But, like many crops, coffee is also sensitive to climatic variations, a relevant factor for its development. The present research observed that temperature and precipitation of one of the most important coffee growing regions in Brazil, Alta Mogiana Paulista, presented trends. The temperature tended to increase, in the analyzed years, and the precipitation to decrease. Faced with this challenge, a literature review pointed to agroforestry technologies and systems as the main strategies for adapting to climate change. 

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17- Distribution patterns, endemism, richness and diversity of Convolvulaceae in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil

JOILSON V. ALVES & MARIA TERESA BURIL

Convolvulaceae, the sweet potato botanical family, is very representative in Brazil, with about 400 spp. recorded. In the Espinhaço Range, an imposing massif of highlands that crosses the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia-Brazil, nearly 50% of the species of Convolvulaceae are recorded. The two main portions that make up the Espinhaço Range (the Minas Gerais and Bahia portion) are centers of richness, diversity, endemism and with distinct floristic similarities for Convolvulaceae. The geological conditions and unique environments of the Espinhaço Range favor the existence of various patterns of spatial distribution of the species of Convolvulaceae that occur there.

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18- Botanical sources and heavy metals contents of honey produced by Apis mellifera in an ecotone region of the state of Bahia, Brazil

CRISTIANO EDUARDO A. SILVEIRA-JÚNIOR, BIANCA A. LOPES, TÂNIA MARIA S. SILVA, AYALA NARA P. GOMES, GIRLIANE REGINA DA SILVA, RAFAEL S. DE ARRUDA, EDSON A. MACIEL & FRANCISCO A.R. DOS SANTOS

Based on the palynological characterization of honey, this study presents to the community the seasonal food variation of honeybees over two years in a commercial apiary. The honey produced was also evaluated for the presence of heavy metals, since the study location is strongly influenced by mining activities.

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19- Disentangling vegetation structure effect on invertebrate communities in contrasting growth periods in subtropical protected wetlands of Argentina

LARA MILENA SABATER, MARÍA CELESTE FRANCESCHINI, LUCIANA IRENE GALLARDO, JUAN MANUEL CORONEL & ALEJANDRA PATRICIA PÉREZ

This study assesses the effect of vegetation structure on the subtropical invertebrate communities in contrasting sampling dates of two macrophyte species in a RAMSAR site in South America. The results suggest that vegetation structure provided by the macrophytes supported significant differences in the density of animals and showed invertebrates assemblages exclusively associated with each macrophyte species. Furthermore, at each sampling date, different invertebrate taxa were dominant. Lastly, we show that working at the taxonomic levels of family could be a sensible trade-off between taxonomic identification effort versus reaching reliable results for environmental monitoring in highly diverse subtropical wetlands. 

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20- Phytosociological analysis of the mesophilic forest of the San Pedro volcano (Guatemala)

ANTONIO GARCÍA-FUENTES, PEDRO D. PARDO-VILLEGAS, JUAN ANTONIO TORRES-CORDERO & JOAQUÍN GIMÉNEZ DE AZCÁRATE CORNIDE

The plant communities that occupy the volcanoes in Central America are formations with great ecological and landscape importance, but quite unknown by phytosociological science. This study analyzes the distribution of vegetation in the San Pedro volcano (Atitlán, Guatemala) in terms of its richness, composition, structure and floristic abundance related to the changes in exposure and altitude observed in the volcano. Two new formations of mixed cloud forest dominated by “aile” (Alnus acuminata) have been described. The first of them is located in the west quadrant of the volcano. The other phytocenosis supports sunnier and drier soils, located in the east orientation. 

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21- Population ecology of a critically endangered gecko, endemic to north-eastern of Argentina

AZUL COURTIS, RODRIGO CAJADE, JOSÉ MIGUEL PIÑEIRO, ALEJANDRA HERNANDO, SIMONE SANTORO & FEDERICO MARANGONI

Homonota taragui is an endemic gecko of the northeast of Argentina. We estimate demographic parameters: number of individuals by populations, sex and ontogenetic stage; sexual dimorphism; survival of this species; and describe the use of microhabitat and movement patterns. We measured 11 morphological variables, determined the sex and marked individually. We found bigger head width in males.  Some factors contribute to the vulnerability of this species such as its constrained geographical distribution, use of the specific microhabitat and the isolation of their populations. We highlight demography studies as an essential data source for management and conservation of critically endangered species.

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GEOSCIENCES

22- Sea ice in the Weddell Sea and its relationship with the South Atlantic Subtropical High and precipitation in South America

CAMILA B. CARPENEDO, TÉRCIO AMBRIZZI & RAFAEL CESAR SILVA

The variability of the South American Monsoon System can lead to extreme hydrological events and the South Atlantic Subtropical High (SASH) stands out for its significant contribution of moisture to the continent. Sea ice extent retraction events (relative to expansion events) in the Weddell Sea can affect the SASH intensity and position in the subsequent month. Thus, SASH weakens and contracts, resulting in a moisture supply reduction from the tropical Atlantic to South America and negative precipitation anomalies in the South Atlantic Convergence Zone region.

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23- Evolution of public policies on natural disasters in Brazil and worldwide

CAIUBI E.S. KUHN, FÁBIO A.G.V. REIS, VINICIUS G. DE OLIVEIRA, VICTOR C. CABRAL, BEATRIZ M. GABELINI & VINICIUS Q. VELOSO

This work carried out a bibliometric analysis of public structures for recording natural disasters in the world and a documentary analysis of the evolution of civil defense in Brazil. The results demonstrated the importance of consolidating public policies, so that the impacts of disasters are reduced, as well as improving the registration of each event. In Brazil, four different moments of civil defense were identified, as well as four stages related to the registration of disasters. 

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24- Using Self-Organizing Maps to find spatial relationships between wildlife-vehicle crashes and land use classes

LARISSA S. TSUDA, CLEYTON C. CARNEIRO & JOSÉ ALBERTO QUINTANILHA

This study established a relationship between the different spatial patterns in wildlife-vehicle collisions to understand the connection between wildlife-related collisions, the animal species involved, and the variables that represent land cover and road characterization features. A short literature review is presented. Self-organizing maps (SOMs) algorithm was used to extract the relationships between wildlife species involved in collisions and the spatial characteristics (like proximity to and the relative area of forest formations, water bodies, silviculture, and built-up areas, the maximum speed allowed on the road, traffic volume, landscape diversity, and time of the day when the crash occurred) that contextualize events.  

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25- Comparison of stationary and nonstationary estimation of return period for sewer design in Antioquia (Colombia)

PAOLA A. CHICA-OSORIO, LUIS F. CARVAJAL-SERNA & ANDRÉS OCHOA

This study assesses the effect of considering of non-stationarity in the mean of Gumbel-distributed peak flows for both 5-yr and 10-yr return periods at 33 gauging stations in the state of Antioquia (Colombia). All gauge stations show an asymptotically tendency in the risk of failure to 100% as the project lifetime tends to 30 years. In general, 71.4 % of gauging stations show that the estimated risk of failure is larger when non-stationary conditions are assumed, relative to assuming stationary conditions, and that the magnitude of the difference increases for larger return periods.  

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26- Assessing Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems in the characterization of rocky shores for oil spills environmental sensitivity mapping, northern São Paulo littoral, Brazil

RODRIGO I. CERRI, FLÁVIO H. RODRIGUES, GABRIEL H.S. DE OLIVEIRA, FÁBIO A.G.V. REIS, ARTHUR WIECZOREK, GEORGE A. LONGHITANO & DÉBORA M. DUARTE

The Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) for oil spills was developed to assist coordinators to evaluate oil spill impact along shorelines, aiming to reduce environmental damage. Recently, Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) are being used in a wide range of areas, since they complement traditional remote sensing data and offer detail and high-resolution images that fit well for environmental studies. Higher-resolution led to the increase of detail in the ESI analysis for oil spills, increasing the number of regions more sensitive to oil spills. This increase is important, since they were not detected in the ESI analysis using conventional satellite images.  

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27- South Atlantic explosive cyclones in 2014-2015: study employing NCEP2 and MERRA-2 reanalyses

HUGO N. ANDRADE, ANDRÉ B. NUNES & MATEUS S. TEIXEIRA

This work contributes to the scientific literature on explosive cyclones over the South Atlantic. It compares two of the main reanalyses used for atmospheric research, pointing out their differences in explosive cyclones detection, such as the number of cases, intensities, trajectories, and physical characteristics, using an accurate algorithm detection. Also, a description of the synoptic and dynamic features of intense and non-intense explosive cyclones was exposed and revealed some factors that still needed to be better established. 

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28- Mesozoic/cenozoic strike-slip tectonics in the catarinense shield and its correlation with structures associated with the continental rift in southeastern Brazil

RÔMULO MACHADO, PATRÍCIA D. JACQUES & ALEXIS R. NUMMER

Structural studies carried out on mesoscopic scale of planar and linear brittle structures from quarries in Precambrian rocks of the central-southern portion of the Catarinense Shield led to a characterization of four main fault directions: NE-SW, NW-SE and some around N-S and E-W. The older dextral (~ N-S) and sinistral (~ E-W) strike-slip faults  are explained through a paleostress field approximately NE-SW oriented. The younger dextral (NE-SW) and sinistral (NW) strike-slip faults are compatible with an approximately E-W oriented paleostress field. The oldest event fits between the Cretaceous and Tertiary and the younger event fits between the Neogene and Quaternary.  

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

29- Mutagenic effect of a commercial fungicide on Rana catesbeiana and Leptodactylus latrans tadpoles

RHAYANE A. ASSIS, MARCELINO BENVINDO-SOUZA, CIRLEY G. ARAÚJO-SANTOS, RINNEU E. BORGES, ITAMAR D. SANTOS-FILHO, LEISSA CAROLINA OLIVEIRA, MARIA ANDREIA C. MENDONÇA & LIA RAQUEL S. SANTOS

We have examined the mutagenic effects of the fungicide Elatus® on tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana and Leptodactylus latrans. Tadpoles of each species have been exposed to three concentrations of Elatus®. We’ve carried out the micronucleus test and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities. We also evaluate the ability to recover from the damage caused by the fungicide. There was difference in MNs frequency between the treatment exposed to 50µg/L-1 and the control groups for R. catesbeiana, while for L. latrans, we’ve found difference between the treatment of 20 µg/L-1, followed by a period without exposure and control group when all ENAs were analyzed. 

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30- Histological and Histochemical Dynamism of Oogenesis in the Cinnamon River Prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus (Caridea: Palaemonidae) Induced by Eyestalk Ablation

MARIA M. RODRIGUES, LAURA S. LÓPEZ GRECO, LUIS CARLOS F. DE ALMEIDA & GIOVANA BERTINI

Macrobrachium acanthurus is a caridean prawn native to Brazil, and studying techniques to assist in its cultivation is important due to economic interest in it. Eyestalk ablation is commonly used to promote ovarian development and maturation of captive crustaceans, but it can have possible consequences on fertility and brood quality. This study investigated the influence of the technique unilateral eyestalk ablation on the ovarian development of M. acanthurus under laboratory conditions, both in pre- and postspawning females. Histological and histochemical analyzes of the ovaries were performed, as well as verification of survival, nuptial molt and spawning of ablated and non-ablated females to consider the use of this technique in cultivation. 

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31- Peripheral isolation and demographic stability are reflected in the genetic diversity of the populations of the Helmeted Manakin: a bird endemic to the gallery forests

THAINARA O. SOUZA, LEILTON W. LUNA, JULIANA ARARIPE, WEBER A. DE G. E SILVA & PÉRICLES S. DO REGO

We investigated the influence of historical gallery forest dynamics within the Brazilian Cerrado on the genetic variability of the Helmeted Manakin, a bird specialized in riparian and gallery forest. Our results indicated significant genetic differences among populations located in the peripheral areas of the Cerrado compared to the biome central region. Furthermore, the high genetic diversity among populations reflects a stable demographic history. These results suggest that historical changes in the gallery forest distribution could have been pronounced in the peripheric areas in contrast to the greater stability and connectivity in the center of the Cerrado biome. 

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32- A new species of Euclymene (Maldanidae, Annelida) from Brazil, with new combinations, and phylogenetic implications for Euclymeninae

JOSÉ ERIBERTO DE ASSIS, JOSÉ ROBERTO BOTELHO DE SOUZA, KIRK FITZHUGH & MARTIN LINDSEY CHRISTOFFERSEN

Maldanids, or bamboo-worms, are tube-building polychaetes. Euclymeninae includes about 18 species with anal and cephalic plates, a funnel-shaped pygidium, and a terminal anus. Euclymenevidali sp. nov. is described from Northeastern Brazil. Isocirrus africana comb. nov., and I. watsoni comb. nov. were transfered from Euclymene. Macroclymenella, Eupraxillella, and Pseudoclyemene are recognized as Clymenella  stewartensis com. nov., Praxillella antarctica com. nov., and Praxillela quadrilobata  com. nov. An identification key for all species of Euclymene, and a comparative table for all species of  Euclymene and all genera of Euclymeninae, is provided. Euclymene and Euclymeninae are paraphyletic taxa. Maldanoplaca is an informal name. 

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33- Phenotypical categorization of indigenous ewes as resistant, resilient or susceptible to Haemonchus contortus

CAROLINE M.G. DAVID, RICARDO L.D. DA COSTA, AYLTON B. JUNIOR, RENATO T. BELTRAME, ARACELI R.M. GONZÁLEZ, APARECIDA F. MADELLA-OLIVEIRA & CELIA R. QUIRINO

This research sought tools that could aid specify which traits might be available in the field and help describe sheep as resistant, resilient, or susceptible to infections caused by the gastrointestinal parasite Haemonchu scontortus. Parasitic infections are considered a limiting factor in the development of animals, directly affecting production rates, combined with resistance to anthelmintics, the problem in sanitary control has worsened, requiring approaches that can be used in conjunction with chemical control. In this way, the selection of resistant animals has become a studied strategy to assist in recognizing resistant, resilient, and susceptible animals. 

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34- Behaviour of personality-screened juvenile Oreochromis niloticus in different challenges: Bold fish present more exploratory capacity and learning to face imposed challenges

LUÍS G. FIGUEIREDO, FABIO A.C. SANTOS, ISABELA F.A. TORRES, TULIO P. BOAVENTURA & RONALD K. LUZ

Animal behavior and welfare is directly related to performance in farm animals. Animals can be classified in bold and shy, where bold fish can lead it to perform general tasks, such as looking for food, whereas shy individuals tend to reduce swimming activity and, consequently, reduce their exploratory behaviour. Oreochromis niloticus bold approached the object first in 65% of the trials, and shy approached first in 21.6% of the trials. Bold animals explored their environment faster in challenges, while shy individuals exhibited ability to learn from the challenges imposed in the study. 

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35- High reproductive effort in a vulnerable lizard from high altitudes in Argentina: Reproductive biology and sexual dimorphism in Phymaturus extrilidus

JESÚS E. PIZARRO, ALEJANDRO LASPIUR, JUAN C. ACOSTA, GRACIELA M. BLANCO & JORGELINA M. BORETTO

Reproduction and life-history are fundamental for the study of lizard ecology and evolution and, ultimately, are essential for the conservation of wildlife. This study analysis female and male reproductive cycles, sexual dimorphism in body size and shape, and differences in the body condition and fat body cycle between sexes associated with reproduction in a microendemic and vulnerable viviparous lizard Phymaturus extrilidus. Results provide valuable information on reproductive biology, especially on female reproductive effort, that contributes to the knowledge of the reproductive strategies of lizards living at high altitudes and harsh environments, and for the precise evaluation of the conservation status.

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36- Autochthonous and allochthonous lactic acid bacteria: action on the hematological and intestinal microbiota for two species of Astyanax genus

ADOLFO JATOBÁ & GABRIEL F.A. JESUS

This research is about increasing the understanding of the probiotic-associated host of autochthonous and allochthonous bacteria, as well as their functioning in the present microbiota and possible changes in the hematological profile of fish. After our study  both Latic acid bacteria (autochthonous and allochthonous) promoted more beneficial changes in the microbiota and hematological profile, however when they act as an autochthone probiotic, demonstrating greater interaction between  host and probiotic bacterium. 

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37- Effects of the use of synthetic astaxanthin in the feeding of Lophiosilurus alexandri, a neotropical siluriform fish

DANIEL P. DA COSTA, MÁRCIO JOSÉ S. SILVA, RICARDO MARCELO GERALDI, JOÃO PAULO LORENZINI, CRISTIANO C. MATTIOLI, AFONSO DE LIGUORI OLIVEIRA, RONALD K. LUZ & KLEBER CAMPOS MIRANDA-FILHO

Aiming to test the capacity of retention of carotenoids in tissues, Lophiosilurusalexandri juveniles were fed diets containing 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of synthetic astaxanthin for 62 days. The inclusion of astaxanthin did not result in significant differences in growth, weight gain, apparent feed conversion, and feed efficiency of the fish. Blood biochemistry and liver histology did not change with the different treatments. At the level of 100 mg/kg of inclusion, there were the highest levels of carotenoids in the blood, and muscle and the smallest difference between the muscle x integument ratio. 

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CROP SCIENCE

38- Toxicity of Essential Oil of Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) and its Monoterpenoid Menthol Against Tetranychus urticae Kogan 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae)

LAUANA P. DE SOUZA, VITOR ZUIM, PRISCILA STINGUEL, PATRÍCIA F. PINHEIRO & HUGO B. ZAGO

Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) has pharmaceutical, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties, among others, foreshadowing acaricidal potential. Therefore, after extracting the essential oil from this plant, we determined the chemical profile and performed fumigation and contact exposure bioassays on adults of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and accounted for lethal and reproductive effects. The same evaluations were carried out for menthol, the major compound. Both substances were lethal in the fumigation bioassay and reduced female fecundity. Sublethal effects were seen in contact exposure. Therefore, essential oil and pure menthol represents a promising management tool. 

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FORESTRY SCIENCE

39- Post-fire dynamics of tree vegetation in forests with and without a history of selective logging in the Eastern Amazon

DANIELE L. DA COSTA, ANDREA N. DIAS, AFONSO FIGUEIREDO FILHO, JOÃO RICARDO V. GAMA, DÁRLISON F.C. DE ANDRADE, DIEGO R. AGUIAR & MISAEL FREITAS DOS SANTOS

This article evaluated the phytosociology and dynamics of tree vegetation in a disturbed forest and an undisturbed forest in selective logging areas affected by fire, in the Brazilian East Amazon. We found that in the short term (2 years), the fire did not cause a significant reduction in species diversity, but there was a tendency towards a similarity loss in species composition in the area disturbed by logging.

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40- Genetic diversity and correlation between morphological traits of pequi fruits (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) with and without thorns at the endocarp

BRUNO H. GOMES, MARCOS V. FARIA, MARIANA G. MENDES, ANA MARIA BONETTI, ROBSON JOSÉ DE O. JÚNIOR & ANA PAULA O. NOGUEIRA

The main findings of this work are related to the characterization of the genetic variability of Pequizeiro trees (Caryocar brasiliense, Caryocaraceae: Malpighiales), an important species of the Brazilian Savanna, producing fruits with and without thorns at the endocarp. Our analysis allowed the identification of potential parents that could be used in breeding programs, conservation, and sustainable exploitation of this natural resource. Thus, through studies on basic characteristics, such as fruit biometry, it was possible to characterize different expressions of the genotype of the species, made possible by the adaptations of individuals to environmental conditions.

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41- A fuzzy-based methodological proposal for analysing green areas in urban neighborhoods

MAURÍCIO T. DA MOTA, AMANDA LOUISI DOS S. GALVÃO, ADRIANO BRESSANE, ROGÉRIO G. NEGRI, JOSÉ ARNALDO F. ROVEDA & SANDRA REGINA M.M. ROVEDA

The study introduces an inference system to support analysis of green areas in urban neighborhoods. In summary, we would like to highlight as a contribution of the paper: fuzzy modelling of indicator variables of green area condition based on expert knowledge; a novel fuzzy-based tool capable of dealing with uncertainties; a promising approach for a case-by-case analysis of green area in urban neighborhoods. To our knowledge, this is the first work with this approach. Therefore, we believe that our findings would appeal to a broad audience, both the researcher and practitioner.

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

42- Acceleration strategies for Tridimensional Coupled hydromechanical problems based on CPU and GPU programming in MATLAB

JEAN B. JOSEPH, PAULO MARCELO V. RIBEIRO, LEONARDO J.N. GUIMARÃES, CICERO VITOR CHAVES JUNIOR & JONATHAN DA C. TEIXEIRA

This article aims to present to engineering researchers, mainly those working in the modeling and simulation of reservoirs to a large extent, various techniques for accelerating hydro mechanical code developed in MATLAB on the CPU and GPU. This article can be read by anyone working in the field of Petroleum engineering modeling and civil engineering for surface subsidence problems due to extraction of water or fluids in general.

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43- Prediction of Equipment Effectiveness using Hybrid Moving Average-Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (MA-ANFIS) for decision support in Bus Body Building Industry

A. SIVAKUMAR, N. BAGATH SINGH, D. ARULKIRUBAKARAN & P. PRAVEEN VIJAYA RAJ

Medium-scale bus body builders put a lot of effort into boosting their competitive advantages in the competitive marketplace by concentrating on the effectiveness of their equipment. In attempt to develop three potential equipment effectiveness prediction models, this study integrates a moving average model, a hybrid Extremal-micro genetic algorithm model, and an adaptive neural fuzzy inference system. The empirical results clearly demonstrate that the hybrid MA-ANFIS model based on the Gaussian membership function performs better than other developed models. The effective implementation of maintenance management programmes in the production environment can be aided by the proposed equipment effectiveness prediction. 

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44- Analysis and numerical simulation of the sterilization of low-calorie grape jam

MARIANA B. LABORDE & ANA MARÍA PAGANO

The consumption of high-sugar foods (such as jams) has always been related to health problems. In traditional formulations of sucrose-based marmalades, hermetic packaging and high sugar inhibit microbial development and degradation, extending the product's shelf-life. Other barrier technologies, such as heat treatments, are required for low-sugar jams to achieve microbiological stability. The present study aimed to analyse and define an appropriate heat treatment for sterilising a low-calorie grape jam (39.26ºBrix; pH 3.63) obtained using fruits reduced in carbohydrates by optimised pretreatment and natural Stevia sweetener to replace sucrose. For this purpose, different types of information and simulation tools were used. 

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All abstracts of the publications were provided by the respective authors.

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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